How do I install Cursor on Windows or Mac?
Download and Install
Go to the official Cursor website (cursor.sh) and click the download button for your operating system. The site will automatically detect whether you're on Windows or Mac.
On Windows, you'll get an .exe installer. Run it and follow the setup wizard. On Mac, you'll download a .dmg file; open it and drag the Cursor icon into your Applications folder.
After installation, launch Cursor from your Start menu or Applications folder. You may need to grant permissions the first time, such as allowing it to access your files.
First-Time Setup
When you first open Cursor, you'll be asked to sign in or create an account. You can use email, Google, or GitHub. This is required to sync settings and use AI features.
Cursor will then guide you through importing settings from VS Code if you have it installed. You can also choose a color theme and set up keybindings.
The entire process usually takes just a few minutes. No additional dependencies like Node.js are needed for basic use.
Common mistakes
- Downloading from unofficial sources can lead to malware; always use cursor.sh.
- Assuming Cursor replaces VS Code entirely—it's a separate app but can coexist.
- Skipping the sign-in step will limit AI features and settings sync.
